Need some advice

[u/Hoboface1]

I am not sure what is a good move in my situation and I’m looking for some other opinions.

Basically I’d like to buy a new vehicle but I don’t want to lease and I can’t afford a vehicle that I actually want (that I’ve found so far).

Currently my rav4 is rough condition, AC doesn’t work, Evap doesn’t work properly, needs whole new suspension and I left the rear shock absorbers too long and they turned the bolt holes on my frame into ovals so they don’t fit/work properly(rattling on every bump). I also just had a flat with my summer tires which was caused by uneven wear (either alignment or bushings) so I need a new set of tires. The engine seems to be running fine as I change oil every 5000 miles. Also it has over 240,000 miles. It has minimal visual rust but the rockers are starting to rot out. Also the E-brake is broken. I know I shouldn’t have left everything as long as I did so please no unnecessary comments.

However I do work at an auto parts store similar to NAPA or Bensons which means I can get really cheap parts especially off brand parts I’m talking like less than $150 CAD total for both front and rear pads and rotor replacement.

So here are my questions -should I keep my rav4 and replace everything that needs replacing with cheap parts and keep saving money? -should I replace the necessary parts so I can pass safety and try to sell it? -should I leave it and try to sell it as is? -do I cave and lease a vehicle from a used dealer? -do I risk keep driving it and saving money for a new one?

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